1598 – ✝ 1653
Maarten Tromp
Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp is perhaps the most notable naval hero in Dutch history. At a time of international tension and increasing world trade, he served alternately in merchant shipping and the navy. From there, he worked his way up from ship's boy to commander-in-chief.
The beginning
The son of a captain, Maarten Tromp was destined to become a seafarer himself. As early as the age of nine, he sailed on his father's frigate - the Elephant Trump. Hence perhaps his surname ...
Grandfather
Tromp worked his way up to helmsman, captain and eventually admiral. In defiance of political scheming within the naval leadership - and sometimes despite a lack of decent equipment - he scored several successes. Tromp was popular with the people; his crew nicknamed him Bestevaêr: 'grandfatherly'.
In harness
Trump's last appearance was in 1653, at the Battle of Ter Heijde. A sniper hit him in the left breast and he died. According to tradition, his last words were: 'I have done, keep well'. However, eyewitnesses claimed he died instantly. Tromp was honoured with a richly executed grave monument in the Old Church.
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Maarten Tromp
Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp is perhaps the most notable naval hero in Dutch history. At a time of international tension and increasing world trade, he served alternately in merchant shipping and the navy. From there, he worked his way up from ship's boy to commander-in-chief.
Piet Hein
'Piet Hein, his name is small, his deeds are great, his deeds are great, he has won the Silver Fleet ...' The triumphant lyrics of the famous song about Piet Hein. In 1628, he hijacked a very valuable sea transport from the Spanish ruler, making him one of Holland's most famous naval heroes.
Clara van Spaerwoude
Clara van Spaerwoude is inextricably linked to Delft history. There is even a Delft street named after her. Van Spaerwoude became best known for her enormous inheritance, which she distributed in the form of wedding gifts. Until over three hundred years after her death, she used them to make many couples happy.
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is best known as the man who improved the microscope. However, he also made several progressive scientific discoveries. Still today, this pioneer is respected for his extraordinary achievements as an inventor and researcher.
Johannes Vermeer
The 'Master of Light', 'Sphinx of Delft', or Johannes Vermeer, is perhaps the most famous painter in Dutch history. With his unique works, in which the stunning rendering of sunlight is particularly striking, this Delft native achieved international fame. However, Vermeer died as a pauper ...
Huibert Poot
'How satisfyingly rolls the life, of the rested lanterman, who would give zyn blissful fate, however small, for no king's crown!' So reads the beginning of 'Akkerleven', by poet Hubert Korneliszoon (Huibert) Poot. Thanks in part to this poem, Poot acquired an indelible place in Dutch history.
Anthonie Heinsius
Anthonie Heinsius was een uit Delft afkomstig staatsman in de tijd van stadhouder Willem III van Oranje. Begonnen als advocaat, werkte hij zich uiteindelijk op tot raadspensionaris van het gewest Holland – zij het niet helemaal vrijwillig …
Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele
After the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), Protestantism became the dominant religion in the Netherlands. The Iconoclasts had violently stripped all churches of images of saints. Catholics were forced to meet in hideaway churches. Poet, lawyer and priest Johannes Stalpaert van der Wiele stood up for them.